Governor Spanberger Urges Rejection of $67 Billion Energy Merger
Governor Abigail Spanberger and state regulators urged the rejection of a $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy over consumer protection concerns.
Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger and staff from the State Corporation Commission (SCC) have urged the rejection of a proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra Energy. In testimony filed on October 19, 2026, Spanberger demanded a six-year freeze on residential electricity base rates and a tripling of monthly customer bill credits to $29 for four years as conditions for approval.
Spanberger's demands include structural reforms to ensure large data centers pay for their own energy needs, the elimination of the rooftop solar cap, and the creation of a Virginia-headquartered zero-carbon energy generation company. She argued that any deal must prioritize Virginia families and the utility workforce over corporate shareholders.
SCC staff recommended denying the merger as currently structured, citing risks from NextEra's unregulated businesses and insufficient customer protections. To avoid rejection, staff suggested requiring an independent board of directors for Dominion Energy and a 10-year guarantee to maintain current Virginia employee levels. Chief Energy Officer Josephus Allmond stated that the companies have not yet satisfied the legal standard for approval.
NextEra Energy defended the merger as a generational investment that would provide $2.1 billion in benefits and create 1,000 new jobs. The SCC faces a decision deadline of January 11, 2027, though Attorney General Jay Jones has requested an extension of the review period.
